DR Congo president hints at extending his term and delaying polls
Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, said on Wednesday that he may consider seeking a third term in office when his mandate expires in 2028. Tshisekedi said, "I have not asked for a third term, but I'm telling you - if the people want me to have a third term, I will accept." He also said that the elections may not be held on schedule because of the conflict in the east of the country.
Tshisekedi stated that any extension of his presidency would only be done by consulting the people through a referendum. He added that voting could not be organised without the North and South Kivu regions, where M23 rebels seized control of swathes of land last year. He blamed Rwanda for obstructing progress and accused them of profiting from DR Congo's rich mineral resources. The US sanctioned some Rwandan army commanders in March, accusing them of fuelling the DR Congo conflict.
Tshisekedi described the US sanctioning of his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, as "a real mess". A bill was submitted to parliament in March that seeks to set out how a referendum should be organised. The opposition have warned that any attempt to amend the constitution would amount to a "constitutional coup".
Quick Summary
President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo is considering a possible extension to his term, citing conflict in the eastern part of the country - a move that could potentially delay elections. This announcement raises concerns about the future of democracy in the region.
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